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Force India F1 owner Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Wednesday. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Force India F1 team owner Vijay Mallya arrested in London

The 61-year-old had an extradition warrant out from India to the UK

April 18, 2017

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Force India team owner Vijay Mallya has been arrested in London, facing charges of fraud and conspiracy with regards to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airline business.

Mallya has been living in the U.K. since having his diplomatic passport revoked a year ago and was only in attendance for the British Grand Prix last season -- the Indian businessman previously was a permanent fixture on his team’s pit wall.

Kingfisher Airline ceased operating in February 2013 after having their trading license revoked. Mallya was sued for a reported $1.4 billion, which Indian authorities believe they're due.

Mallya has repeatedly denied the accusations of fraud and corruption, saying in January that “not one rupee was misused,” and adding today that the developments were, “Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected.”

India has lodged a formal request that Mallya is extradited to his native country; this is likely to happen through an existing extradition treaty between Britain and India.

Force India has not commented on the developments, but with Mallya bankrolling the outfit, the case could have some severe ramifications for the team, which has finished with both cars inside of the points at each of the first three Grands Prix this season.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.